Chapter 1 The Returning Troops

The expeditionary force returned, a hasty affair primarily comprised of the Keyan tribe, who had only just entered the Xuehai Pass and hadn't had time to integrate.

But haste is impartial.

As the saying goes: if you're struggling, so am I; if we're all struggling, I'm not afraid. If you're having it easy, so am I; if we're all having it easy, I won't be careless.

Under equal conditions, everyone, whether attacker or defender, is actually quite sloppy. However, the Xuehai Pass side had its own order in that sloppiness, while the Naiman tribe was riddled with mistakes.

Facing such an opponent, it wouldn't be justifiable not to achieve a fast pace and an exaggerated kill ratio.

On the north gate of Xuehai Pass, weapons bristled. Ever since the army had set out, the defense of the north gate had suddenly become a top priority.

The Blind Man had always been prudent in his actions. Although he didn't think there would be any major problems with this expedition, he remembered the lesson of the Cheng Kingdom army's expedition to the snowy plains being pushed back in one wave, even losing Xuehai Pass. His side naturally had to be more careful.

Fortunately, the news of the great victory on the front lines had already been transmitted back early, and Xuehai Pass, both inside and outside, was filled with jubilation.

The Blind Man sat on a chair on the city tower, with a tea table to his left, on which were placed two oranges and a cup of tea.

Si Niang sat on a chair next to him, legs crossed, knitting clothes.

"Have the rewards been distributed?" the Blind Man asked.

"I ordered it last night, so it should have been distributed this morning."

Almost all industries within Xuehai Pass were controlled by the Earl's Mansion. With the news of the great victory, some welfare benefits and discount promotions began, especially for daily necessities such as rice, flour, and oil, which were truly practical.

After a great victory, one must naturally share the joy with the people, allowing the military and civilians to genuinely feel the dividends that war can bring.

Only in this way can they spontaneously support future wars.

The banner of national righteousness is indeed useful, but the problem is that with the multi-ethnic mix here in Xuehai Pass, this trick won't work.

But in the Blind Man's opinion, even if it were developed into something similar to the "Knights Templar" style, it wouldn't be bad.

When Liu Bei was in Shu Han, his regime was actually in the style of a Knights Templar.

Adapt to local conditions. Under the current situation, the main theme is to unite the military and civilians as much as possible to expand outward.

Si Niang put down her work and asked, "Has the work of welcoming the army back been done well?"

"It's done. It'll be lively."

"Well, after this battle, we'll be much richer. A Ming won't have to run around anymore and can rebuild the workshop system first. After this winter, everything will be on track."

You don't know the cost of firewood and rice until you're in charge of a household, especially such a large one.

Zheng Boye was used to being a hands-off shopkeeper, but fortunately, the devils under him could support it.

"Recently, many refugees have been coming every day. We need to do a good job of resettlement," the Blind Man reminded.

After Xuehai Pass stabilized, the people who had fled into the nearby mountains began to slowly emerge. At the same time, some refugees who had fled from further away, hearing that there was food to eat here, were also migrating here.

This was also thanks to the good publicity work done along the way during the initial migration, describing Xuehai Pass as a paradise, which had a huge attraction for those displaced by the war.

"I know," Si Niang nodded. "Anyway, there's a need for manpower everywhere now. We'll take as many as come."

In addition, among those who managed to escape, the proportion of the old, weak, sick, and disabled was not that large, because they simply couldn't make it here. Even if there were some, they would definitely have able-bodied people accompanying them.

"The matter of reorganizing the troops should also be put on the agenda."

"Let's wait for the lord to come back and discuss it with him. It's not appropriate for us to make decisions on our own."

"The lord had already discussed it with me before the expedition, and the basic procedures have already been set. In the future, the Xuehai Pass troops will most likely be divided into four garrisons, each with many camps under its jurisdiction. These four garrisons are: Yan Garrison, Man Garrison, Jin Garrison, and the Ye Garrison, which may be established after the Snowy Plains are pacified."

Si Niang heard this, reached out to pick up her teacup, took a sip, and smiled, "Are you imitating the Eight Banners?"

The Eight Banner system was also divided into the Manchu Eight Banners, the Han Eight Banners, and the Mongol Eight Banners.

"That's about the idea. The troops under our command are indeed of complex composition. Instead of forcibly mixing them together, not distinguishing between you and me, it's better to distinguish them in the system first and then polish them at the leadership level.

"Of course, the four garrisons definitely can't just be called those names. Names like Tiger Might, Enemy Breaker, and Swift Victory will be added. First, determine this basic framework, and then carry out a new round of integration as needed."

The Blind Man rubbed his brow and continued, "Actually, we're still feeling our way across the river, taking one step at a time, changing one step at a time. There's still time."

"Mm."

"However, the most urgent task right now is to raise our cultivation level. Si Niang, have you thought about it?"

Si Niang put down her teacup and remained silent.

"Actually, I haven't thought about it either," the Blind Man said.

Si Niang opened her mouth and said, "I've thought about it."

"Oh?"

Si Niang stretched lazily, her figure graceful and her bearing revealed,

"After all, we've slept in the same bed. There's nothing we can't talk about. Whether he's destined to have me, I don't know, but it's clear that my life must have him.

"Ordinary families rely on the men in their families as pillars. Without the pillars, life becomes difficult.

"I'm already so old. I still understand this principle.

"In this world,

"Lovey-dovey vows are certainly beautiful;

"But when it comes down to it,

"Among the men and women who share a bed every day,

"God knows how many are sleeping with different dreams.

"Life,

"Doesn't it have to go on like this?"

The Blind Man reached out and patted his chest, saying, "Why does that sound a little scary? Our lord has lived two lives, but he's never really been in love or married. Don't be too ruthless and really hurt our lord's heart."

"Oh, you're really concerned about the lord?"

"How could I be? I'm concerned about you. You see, there's still a Madam Ke living by our lord's side. Even if she's had children, her beauty is still good.

"Maybe this time when he comes back from the expedition, the lord can capture another vixen from the snowy plains.

"Don't play with fire and burn yourself. When the time comes, even our mistress will have to be replaced. You won't feel awkward, but we will."

Si Niang chuckled,

The half-finished piece of clothing she had just knitted suddenly fell off on its own. The silver needle, threaded with thread, kept flowing between Si Niang's fingertips,

Leaving only two words:

"He dares."

……

"I say, you should eat and drink as you please. I, Third Master, won't let you stay by the lord's side. Don't hold a grudge against me. I'm doing this for your own good.

"Don't think that just because you're a vixen, you can really charm all men.

"The lord's son is famous for being jealous. He just can't kill his father right now, so he can't be a filial son, but he's definitely a hundred percent willing to have his father be a widower for the rest of his life;

"Furthermore, even if you get past his son, there's still a woman by the lord's side. That woman, in terms of appearance, figure, and temperament, you can't compare to her in any way.

"Even in terms of scheming and tactics,

"You should give up early.

"Third Master just doesn't want to see a vixen corpse being fished out of the well when we're chilling watermelons one day, so I'm kindly leaving you here with me."

The fox curled up in a corner of the carriage, feeling very aggrieved, daring to be angry but not daring to speak.

Why could that black cat stay by the side of the Earl of Pingye,

But she had to stay by the side of this short-legged tiger?

People,

Oh no,

Demons,

Were all the same. What demons feared was comparison. With comparison, there was double the damage.

While Hua Ji was still feeling wronged and secretly shedding tears,

At the front of the line, Zheng Boye, riding a *pixiu* (mythical wild beast), stroked the fur on the black cat's body while saying to Liang Cheng, who was riding a horse beside him:

"Have the envoys to the other tribes all been sent out?"

"They've already been sent out, my lord."

"Mm, after we go back, mention this to the Blind Man and have him continue to follow up. Those tribes that are trying to support the Naiman tribe must bleed a little for me."

"Yes, my lord."

By noon,

The expeditionary force, escorting cattle, sheep, and captured slaves, finally arrived at Xuehai Pass. The north gate of Xuehai Pass was opened wide, and a grand welcome ceremony was held for the triumphant soldiers.

The welcoming ceremony was immediately followed by the awarding of war merits, which was definitely a timely rain for the Keyan tribe people. Especially when they saw that their families had moved into tents and that there was enough food being distributed after returning from the expedition, the joy, excitement, and satisfaction were beyond words.

Next, there was a series of procedures that Zheng Boye had to participate in.

There was also a grand bonfire party in the evening, where Zheng Boye not only had to show his face, but also had to give a speech.

After all this was over, Zheng Fan dragged his slightly tired body back to his mansion.

Seriously,

Sometimes attending these kinds of political show场 (show) was even more tiring than fighting on the battlefield.

Returning home, he sat down on a chair in the hall, waiting for Ke Shi to bring him a footbath to wash his feet.

Who would have thought that a fragrant breeze would attack, and this smell was especially familiar.

Zheng Fan looked up and saw Si Niang standing in front of him, holding a wooden basin.

In fact, in the days before the expedition, everyone was a little awkward because of Xue San's matter, and they needed some space and time.

The unexpected battle to conquer the Naiman tribe lengthened this awkwardness by a long distance.

"You've worked hard these past few days," Zheng Fan said with a smile.

Ordinary pleasantries.

Si Niang smiled slightly, squatted down, and put Zheng Fan's feet into the wooden basin, preparing to wash Zheng Fan's feet.

"No need, Si Niang, I'll do it myself."

"Ke Shi can wash them, but I can't?"

"She's a servant, you're not."

Si Niang bowed slightly, "This servant will prepare some supper for the lord."

It was impossible to eat well at the bonfire party, because there were too many places to socialize. Even if no one dared to persuade Zheng Boye to drink, he still had to carry a wine glass around………well, patting shoulders everywhere was also very tiring.

Zheng Fan washed his own feet and walked into the bedroom, where he saw that a few exquisite dishes had already been placed on the small table in the bedroom, and Si Niang was pouring wine.

Sitting down at the table,

Zheng Fan sighed softly,

He knew that Si Niang had some words to say to him.

Some hurdles, you can't jump over them, and you can't ignore them.

"My lord, this servant has some words to say to you."

Si Niang handed Zheng Fan a glass of wine.

Zheng Fan reached out and took it, but didn't drink it, instead placing it in front of him. He picked up his chopsticks, picked up a bite of food, and put it in his mouth, chewing while saying:

"Mm, say it."

As a lord, as a promotion machine, you have to get used to your role.

Si Niang seemed to have already drunk some beforehand. Between her brows, there was a charming look.

"My lord, in these days of your expedition, this servant has thought for a long time, and pondered for a long time. In the past, when we lived our lives,

"Living them clearly, we didn't necessarily live comfortably;

"Living them muddledly, we understood that it was rare to be confused and at ease.

"It's just that now, we can't live without understanding it anymore. This servant wants to advance in level."

"Mm, I know."

The attraction of recovering one's strength was irresistible to a devil.

"However, my lord, whether you believe it or not, if it were just about advancing in level, this servant wouldn't be in such a hurry. Some thorns, since they've already appeared, we can't pretend they don't exist.

"It will hurt, and it will remind you from time to time that it's still there."

Zheng Fan ate another bite of food,

Then he picked up his wine glass.

"My lord, to tell you the truth, this servant doesn't have any romantic feelings for you."

The hand holding the wine glass,

Froze.

"This servant has really thought for many days, thought for many days, and this servant has also thought about whether to lie to you. This servant is best at deceiving men.

"But this servant still thinks that I should tell you the truth.

"This servant really doesn't love you, at least, not that feeling between lovers, really not.

"This servant also wants to find it, but can't find it, really can't find it."

Zheng Fan drank the wine in his glass in one gulp,

On his face,

You couldn't see any emotion.

Even,

When he looked up at Si Niang again,

He found that,

He could be more calm.

Some things, once said, are actually comfortable for both parties.

"This servant has never had a man before. Although many parts of this servant's body have been used by you, my lord, that one place, this servant has always kept it."

Zheng Fan really wanted to ask, then what is our relationship?

Fuck buddies?

Regular customers?

But he also felt that no matter what he said at this moment, it would carry a sourness after being given a friend card, so let's just shut up.

Tsk,

How should I put it,

This kind of feeling now.

"Does the lord think that this servant approached you and helped you with that matter because I wanted to use this method to advance in level?"

Zheng Fan shook his head and said, "No."

"The lord really didn't think that?"

"Really didn't."

Zheng Fan gave this answer very firmly.

Because Si Niang didn't need to do this at all, and there was no reason for her to do it.

She wasn't a vase, nor was she just an old madam who knew how to open the red curtains.

She had the ability. In fact, whether it was in Hutou City or after the continuous moves all the way to Xuehai Pass, she was actually the one who managed the family's industry flow, while the Blind Man was more responsible for other aspects.

She could completely rely on her own skills and abilities to make a living, just like Liang Cheng, Xue San, and A Ming.

Since Liang Cheng and the others could advance in level step by step before,

There was no reason why she couldn't.

Moreover, from the beginning, Zheng Fan, because of his "fear" shadow of Feng Si Niang, although he would appreciate Si Niang's beauty and charm, he really didn't think about having the opportunity to get close to her.

Because it was too scary, he, Zheng Fan, didn't dare.

If it wasn't for Si Niang's own initiative at that time, Zheng Boye wouldn't have taken that step himself.

Of course, hearing these words, he felt a little uncomfortable in his heart, but he really didn't blame anyone. He had been enjoying it all along, but in the end he had to complain about the other party;

What was the difference between this and a two-skinned face who earnestly advised the小姐 (prostitute) to be good after visiting a brothel?

Where's your face?

However, that slight discomfort was inevitable, because people are always like this, they always add some of their own fantasies to their lives, their future, and some beautiful things.

People are also very difficult to be truly satisfied with. It is an instinct to get what you want and want more.

"My lord, many times, this servant doesn't even know what my situation is. This servant is not like A Cheng, San'er, or the Blind Man;

"They have a past, they have a beginning, they have a former self, they have come step by step, changed bit by bit, matured, and experienced things.

"And I, only have experiences.

"Does the lord understand what this servant means?"

Zheng Fan nodded.

He understood, because for example, the Blind Man, Liang Cheng, and A Ming, their stories actually had a beginning and an occurrence. They had a more complete vein.

And Si Niang, the vast majority of her comic plot moments are in different eras, different backgrounds, and different cities, opening brothels. Her most classic image is leaning on the railing of the brothel's second floor, looking into the distance.

The scenery in the distance may be the romantic affairs of the Tang Dynasty Chang'an; it may be the extravagant life in the Northern Song Dynasty Bianliang City; it may be the drunken life and death of the Republic of China;

It may also be the traffic under the neon lights.

She is very shrewd, but in fact she is very confused. She seems to be looking for something, and gradually, she seems to have forgotten what she is looking for, but she is just constantly looking and looking.

Si Niang reached out,

Touched Zheng Fan's face,

Then,

She brought her own face closer,

The breath between each other sprayed on the other's face, slightly itchy.

"My lord, this servant actually doesn't know what so-called love between a man and a woman is. This servant feels that you are not the man that I love."

Zheng Boye suddenly felt some signs of angina pectoris;

But he still smiled,

Remained calm,

And asked with a demeanor:

"Then what kind of man do you like?"

Si Niang heard this,

Her face immediately showed a sad look,

Then her body retreated,

And threw the wine pot in her hand directly on the ground,

Fortunately, there was a carpet on the ground, so the wine pot was not broken, but the wine was spilled all over the ground, and a strong smell of alcohol immediately filled the surroundings.

Si Niang reached out,

And opened the green silk on both sides of her temples,

And said with great grief:

"In this servant's opinion, men are all turbid things. As soon as I get close, I feel a foul smell. They can only be regarded as rats crawling in the stinking ditch, not even people.

"My lord, this servant is not lying when I say that I don't have a woman's love for a man for you.

"The lord asked this servant earlier, what kind of man I like;

"In fact, this servant has no choice at all.

"Because,

"In this servant's eyes,

"In this world,

"There is only one man, the lord."

————

Good night everyone.